The stars were out at The Hilton Short Hills to help launch and celebrate artistic director Bonnie Monte’s 20th anniversary with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

Among the cabaret performers were Allison Janney, award winner for “The West Wing” and most recently starring in “Nine to Five “on Broadway.

Blythe Danner, a longtime friend of Monte’s, joined Janney along with Edward Genest and Paul Mullins for a take on “Brush up Your Pinter.” Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” is one of the season’s upcoming productions.

Also entertaining was Tamara Tunie with a snazzy, “I Love Being Here With You.” Tunie has performed on the NJST stage in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” among others and is a regular on “Law and Order.” She was joined by Gregory Generet for a rousing “Orange Colored Sky.” Generet also delivered a moving rendition of “Nature Boy.”

Laila Robins, now in rehearsal for “That Face” at the Manhattan Theatre Club, paid tribute to Monte with Dylan’s “Forever Young,” accompanied by Katie Fabel and Suzanne Houston. Robins was seen recently in a stunning portrayal of Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She was also in the first Pinter production at the theatre, “The Homecoming,” along with other landmark roles.

Gareth Saxe, who was a memorable “Hamlet,” joined Kevin Isola for The Paddle Interlude. Becky Baker came through with an ingenious version of “At Last.”
Mark Jacoby and Donna Bullock performed an ingenious version of “What Do the Theatre Folk Do?” with special lyrics by Steve Wilson and Joe Discher took on “Two Thousand Years.”

Doug Oberhamer provided musical direction/piano, along with David Anthony on drums, Sean Harkness on guitar and John Hoesly on bass.

Monte herself was close to tears when she thanked the tireless efforts of her staff for their loyalty during the ups and downs that go with the territory. She called attention to all those who are in the trenches, but dedicated to the future and a belief in the stories told from the stage.

Monte is kicking off a new season of challenging, provocative works. Shakespeare's “Taming of the Shrew” opens on June 5, with its bickering protagonists and challenge to women’s place in the world.

Then we have the comic romp, “The Servant of Two Masters” by Carlo Goldoni, on the Outdoor Stage, at the Greek amphitheatre on The College of Saint Elizabeth.

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” delves into love, war and heroes, all with Shaw’s wit and flair. Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land”is on stage with its baffling, unforgettable study of human foibles. That is followed by Shakespeare's “All’s Well That Ends Well,” a love story set in Italy, France, and back to Italy. “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman is a different take on royalty, revealing the squabble for power and family clashes in the1183.

Finally,” I Capture the Castle” a romantic comedy by Dodie Smith, will be directed by Cameron Watson. The holiday production makes its east coast premiere and has long been a popular mainstay on the British stage. .

During the gala evening, a visual tribute to Monte’s past productions flashed across a screen, once again highlighting the range and excellence of vibrant theatre.

For information on the upcoming season at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, on the campus of Drew University in Madison, call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.